Exams and Tests

When you have pleurisy, the normally smooth surfaces lining the lung (the pleura) become rough. They rub together with each breath. This results in a rough, grating sound called a friction rub. Your health care provider can hear this sound with the stethoscope.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the pleurisy. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Surgery may be needed to drain infected fluid from the lungs. Viral infections normally run their course without medicines.

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery depends on the cause of the pleurisy.

Possible Complications

Health problems that may develop from pleurisy include:

Breathing difficulty

Fluid buildup between chest wall and lung

Complications from the original illness

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you have symptoms of pleurisy. If you have breathing difficulty or your skin turns blue, seek medical care right away.

Prevention

Early treatment of bacterial respiratory infections can prevent pleurisy.